Our Pastor
The Reverend Anne E. Clifton

Anne was born in Amarillo and was raised in Windwood Presbyterian Church in Cypress, Texas. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in August 1983 with a BBA in finance. That September, she enrolled in Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Anne completed seminary in May 1987 and was ordained in January 1988. She interned with the Reverend David Evans at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin.

Anne served as an interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Livonia, MI, John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Henrietta, NY, and Penfield Presbyterian Church in Penfield, NY. In 1995, she accepted her first head of staff position at the First Presbyterian Church, Honeoye Falls, NY.

Anne enjoyed being pastor at Honeoye Falls, but she longed to raise her family closer to her family in Texas and away from the harsh winters in New York. She dreamed of the bluebonnets during a Texas spring. In December 1999, she became associate pastor at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Ft. Worth.

Anne writes in her personal information form: "I look forward to serving a church that unites belief and action reaching into the world with God's care and vision.  Whether it is outreach to new members, or to people who are ill, or to the poverty-stricken, we, as believers, have ample opportunity to make a difference...I see my role as pastor to be one which keeps us mindful of the God who created us, who shares life with us, who nurtures and challenges us through life and who welcomes us when life ends."

She says, "Reformed roots run deep in me and preaching theologically and biblically sound and challenging sermons is gratifying."  Anne mentions that the gift she has had most often appreciated is being "able to relate with care and warmth to persons of all ages and conditions in life.  I believe effective ministry grows out of strong personal relationships in all aspects of church life...I have a deep respect for the Spirit of God working in and through God's people."

Anne "believes the holy scriptures have been given by God to bear witness to the living word of God, Jesus Christ.  I affirm that discipleship develops in an inclusive faith community we call the church.  These beliefs are reflected in my work as I attempt to live the way of Jesus Christ, and as I attempt to relate to all people as children of God with love, respect and nurture."

Your PNC takes pride in presenting the Reverend Anne Clifton as a pastor with strengths in the areas of education, youth, pastoral care, as well as worship leadership. God has indeed blessed us all by bringing us together, one with the other.

The Reverend Clay Brantley

Clay Brantley has been hired by the session to work part-time as a Parish Associate.  A Parish Associate is a special category in our Book of Order that allows for someone who is ordained to serve in a validated ministry (in this case, Clay is returning to seminary for further graduate work) and keep ties with a local church.  The part-time position here will focus in the areas of evangelism, mission and visitation.

Most recently, Clay served the First Presbyterian Church of McKinney as their pastor for nine years.  He was well loved and the church was sorry to see him go.  However, our God is an adventuresome God, and somewhere in the mix God called Clay to a new chapter in his life.  We will be the beneficiaries of some of his deepened knowledge from his classes.

Clay has traveled many places in the world and has a special regard for Guatemala.  He just returned from a three-week language immersion class there.  If you know Spanish, go ahead and test him out!